BANDIPORA: The first day of ‘My Town My Pride’ 2.0 (MTMP) began here today with great enthusiasm and fanfare at Nishat Park, Bandipora.
On the day first of MTMP programme, Secretary Tourism, and YS&S, Sarmad Hafeez, visited Bandipora and participated in day-long celebrations held across the Town.
Secretary inaugurated the main event at Nishat Park Bandipora in presence of Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, Dr. Owais Ahmed, and Director Employment, Nisar Ahmad Wani.
Speaking on the occasion, Sarmad Hafeez said ‘My Town My Pride’ is an initiative to strengthen Urban Local Self Governance and to serve the people with accountable and participatory governance. He stressed on intensive awareness regarding public-oriented government schemes and online services.
Sarmad Hafeez stressed on community participation for enhanced socio-economic empowerment of the area. He urged upon the people to maintain cleanliness in and around the surroundings and cooperate with authorities for door-to-door collection of waste. ‘It is our collective responsibility to implement all government schemes at the grassroots level,” he added. He asked officers to work with more dedication, honesty, and integrity for the economic and social uplift of people and saturation of various government schemes including self-employment schemes.
He urged upon the unemployed youth to come forward and take benefit from various youth-oriented Government Schemes.
Secretary visited stalls installed by various departments to showcase their achievements and progress under different schemes.
He distributed cash assistance among the beneficiaries under PMAY (urban) and handed over keys and sanction letters to unemployed youth under Mumkin and Tejasawni.
Deputy Commissioner highlighted various ongoing and completed developmental initiatives in the district. He said that various works including the shopping complex at New Bus Adda, the installation of solar trees at Nishat Park, and the beautification of Papchan bridge have been completed in Bandipora town under ‘My Town My Pride’. Besides, out of 117 works in Bandipora, Hajin, and Sumbal towns, 93 works have been completed while 24 are in progress.
The programme also witnessed speeches by various dignitaries and students who highlighted the ill effects of single-use plastic and cleanliness measures besides cultural items were also presented.
Later, Secretary inaugurated a shopping complex at the new bus adda which has been constructed at a cost of Rs 45 lakh.
Sarmad Hafeez also laid the foundation stone of a terminal building constructed at a cost of Rs 136.00 lakh in New Bus Adda, Bandipora besides launching a plantation drive at the children’s park, Bandipora.
Secretary also visited District Hospital Bandipora to take stock of facilities available there for the patients. He inspected various sections of the hospital and also took feedback from the patients.
During his visit, Secretary also visited S K Stadium Bandipora and interacted with players of different games.
At Nishat Park Bandipora, the programme was also attended by Padma Shri Faisal Ali Dar, President MC Bandipora, Basharat Hussain, ADC, Bandipora Waseem Raja, CO 14 RR Ajay Rawat, Joint Director Planning, Imtiyaz Ahmad, students, large public gathering besides senior citizens and other concerned.
